OMSI Early Childhood Education Internship

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The Science Playground and Discovery Lab are areas where children ages 0-6 and their families are able to learn and explore in hands-on, science-based settings. You will have the opportunity to assist education staff in the daily functioning and maintenance of the Science Playground, while providing a safe and fun learning environment for our youngest visitors and their families. At the supervisor’s discretion, time may be spent on special projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the presentation and resetting of daily activities and special demonstrations in Science Playground and the Discovery Lab.
• Interactwith a diverse population of learners to help them explore exhibits and activities.
• Support volunteer staff by modeling excellent visitor engagement and providing training and coaching.
• Share accurate science and museum information with guests.
• Maintain a safe environment, including using OMSI radios to cover Science Playground when educators are absent.
• Assume additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the educators.

Qualifications:

• Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in early childhood education and child development; Excitement about sharing this information with adult visitors.
• Eager to present science process and content in an engaging way to young children.
• Self-motivated and able to ask for more direction when needed.
• Ability to teach and model adult-child interactions for positive early learning experiences.
• Must be able to bend and stoop as needed to maintain integrity, appearance, and safety of the area.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and willing to commit to a schedule.
• Must present a professional personal appearance.

Education and Work Experience:

• Working toward a degree in early childhood education, child development, education, or science with college coursework in early childhood education.
• Experience working with the public and/or young children highly desirable.

Time Commitment:

Minimum of 8 hours/week for at least three months. Extension of Internship or Work-Study position negotiable.

Position Type:

Internship or Work-Study. Work-Study positions are only available to students who have been awarded Federal Work-Study funding as part of their financial aid package. Please contact your academic institution to determine your eligibility.